Thinking about buying a c5 z06

I'm looking at all the plus' on owning one. 400 hp, seem fairly reliable, decent gas mileage, and corvette looks. Considering the price of them is coming down a lot (low 20's), I can't find anything that really compares for the $$.

At 400hp I can't really imagine needing too many mods. I guess I should note that I'm not really interested in Mustangs (fine cars, just not a fan). Other cars I am considering are E46 BMW M3's, 350z, and maybe a G35 coupe. Of all these cars, the only one I feel like I would be ashamed of taking my boss out in is the 350Z.

350z:
Pros: Price (cheap)
Cons: You see them everywhere, and at the price they are at, the douchebag drivers are soon to hop on this bandwagon. Not too keen on the boyracer thing.

E46 M3:
Pros: Comfort, Styling, Ride Quality
Cons: Maintenance Costs

G35:
Pros/Cons: Fall somewhere between the Z and Bimmer. While not as good at being either, it seems to be a jack of all trades.

Vette:
Pros: 400hp, 30mpg highway, reasonable price
Cons: ???

I guess the only thing I wonder is what the Vette's overall build quality is like? How is the fit and finish? What are the maintenance costs like?

Honestly, the vette won't be too expensive to maintain. The drivetrain is solid. I mean aside from buying tires every couple of years, just changing fluids on time and regularly, the car isn't going to give you any issues whatsoever. As far as build quality goes... it's got GM plastic interior. That's about it.

C5 Z06 is in a whole different category from the other cars. The G35 and M3 are luxury/sport and the 350Z is....well aside from being a supercar it just doesn't belong. So if you're making this comparison you are asking yourself: "Do I want a real sport car or do I want to be fast and entry level luxury."

After owning an STI, 350Z, and driving enough M3s and G35s to have a good feel... I'd never go back. I love my C5... and I only have a coupe, not a Z06. But I wanted a coupe so I could take the roof off

I had a C5 FRC and my only complaint about the car was the lack of cupholders... I couldn't find anything else wrong with the car... bulletproof drivetrain, fast, even my base model manual seats were comfortable, styling that still looks good 10 years after it first came out... for the price, you can't get much better

I love the vette, but could not daily one. My right knee was against the (hot) tunnel on one side and up to the ignition key on the other side. Id take the "shitty" suede side bolstered 03/04 cobra seats/interior.

i was in the same boat a few months ago. My brother was selling his G35 and i was looking at other cars around that ballpark figure. Decided against imports in general and jumped on the Z06.

I snagged a nearly perfect 01 speedway white with 31xxx miles for 24. Took a small hit on the price but whatever. I've driven it from Vegas (where i got it) to North Dakota, then NY and finally to South Carolina. Gotta tell you, for a "sports car" i've got no complaints about how comfortable this thing is. It's my DD and so far it's pretty damn awesome haha. I thought the trunk would be small but damn, i was able to fit a full suitcase, 2 "overhead compartment" size suitcases and numerous odds and ends in it. So grocery shopping is cake.

I will say however given the area you live in, if you don't know how to take dips, driveways etc....it'll be challenging to say the least. Just take it slow and you'll be ok.